The Assiniboine Park Conservatory

Conservatory History

The original Assiniboine Park Conservatory was built in 1914. It is the oldest facility of its kind in Western Canada. In the style of 19th and early 20th century conservatories, the original Conservatory was composed primarily of glass (to admit maximum light) and supported by a framework of iron.

The contract to build was awarded to Lord and Burnham of Toronto and in 1914. The dimension of the Palm House being 50 feet by 84 feet by 37 feet high and all plants were planted in a natural style and tufa rock was used to obtain diverse topography on a small scale.

The Palm house was expanded in 1917 with the addition of a north and south wing each measuring 35 feet by 50 feet. In 1934 two greenhouses, 25 feet by 100 feet, were constructed in the vicinity of the Conservatory.

Further additions were made to the Conservatory in 1964 when a coffee house, serving light meals and sandwiches, was built. Two years later in 1966 an adjoining patio with colourful umbrella-covered tables was constructed in conjunction with a rockery and step fountain.

In June of 1968, construction began on the new Conservatory which was to be built over and around the old structure, in order not to endanger any of the over 8,000 plants, many of them being original inhabitants since 1914. The building with over 1,400 square fee of floor space provided space for displays, meetings and banquets or receptions in addition to the tropical display. The new Conservatory was officially opened by Lieutenant-Governor, Mr. R. S. Bowles June 26, 1969.